Under 11's: South Gower V Pontardullais 11/10/09

11th October 2009

South Gower 12 - Pontardullais 0

Tries: Ethan Smith, Callum Carson
Conversion: Kieran Charles

What a horrible morning to play rugby. Rain driving from the west saw everyone soaked !
However, the game itself was a cracker. Pontardullais came to the Gower boasting several district players so we knew it would be a tough match and that we had to show them respect and we know from last season also, what a good team they are.
South Gower, boasting 4 Llwchwr district players and also 1 Swansea Schoolboy were switched on from the off this week.
Play was a little scrappy from both teams to start with good defending from both sides. I feel we had the upper hand in the forwards and this provided good platform for our backs to work off. First notable move of the game saw a South Gower scrum. The ball was won and Moggy provided Kieran with clean ball at outside half. Kieran did a dummy scissors with Callum in the centre and straightened his run, drew the winger in and passed to Ethan. Ethan who sidestepped a few covering players to dive over in the corner for the first score of the game. Kieran Charles stepped up and nailed the conversion.
Pontardullais came back into the game then and some resolute defence stopped them in their tracks. Some excellent tackles and good rucking saw us turnover ball and clear our lines. Further up the field after another good ruck by South Gower, saw Moggy deliver good early ball to Kieran who in turn released Callum. Callum threw a dummy and stepped a player before racing clear to score a very good try.

Half Time:

South Gower 12 - Pontardullais 0.

We kicked off the second half and some good tackling saw us turn over ball. Unfortunately along the backs line we knocked on. Pontardullais scrum, which they won and cleared their lines with a good kick upfield. Luckily for us, Ethan was positioned well to defend it as he had Brandon from Pontardullais breathing down his neck. Pontardullais made a good few breaks through the middle of the park throughout the game but our tackling was up to the mark.
When in their 22, they would kick and have Brandon chase, but again our defence got back to stop them gaining momentum. Some lovely tackling from Ethan and Cameron prevented Pontardullais from racing away.
After several phases we found ourselves on Pontardullais' try line with a ruck. All their backs were taken in and a simple pass out would have resulted in an unopposed score but unfortunately, Moggy took the wrong decision and went himself only to be turned over on the line. However, Moggy made amends with a superb try saving tackle just when Pontardullais had broken away on the wing. We turned them over, cleared our lines and won the game 12-0.

Overall, a very professional performance from our boys, playing their own game whilst identifying Bont's threat and nullifying it. The forwards rucked and mauled very well and the backs defended very well. One thing we need to work on it making the right decisions when and when not to pass. Ball needs to be shipped away from the breakdown quickly with taking it on being the rare option instead of the preferred one. If we make the break in the back line we need to look to ship it then to our unmarked winger rather than taking on the world on your own, or passing to the winger and putting him under pressure straight away. These will be worked on and i am sure it will come in time.
Well done boys, a good win against a good Pontardullais team.

Players to mention:

Tom Mogridge: Tom had a good game, delivering away from contact well, one wrong decision but superb tackling. Took a nasty knock to his head in an accidental collision, but fresh out of A&E and with the all clear, already asking about Mumbles next week.

Ethan Smith: What a player ! Ethan is an Under 10 player, representing Swansea Schoolboys at under 11's. He was up against Llwchwr flying winger and matched him every step of the way in defence and registered a great try for his team. Great game Ethan.

Cameron Barker: Defended like a demon. Great tackling, good offloading and an all round great game. Cam's tackling has improved ten fold and it showed by him nailing his opposite number every time. Well done Cam.

Next week, Mumbles away, another tough game ! There doesn't seem to be any easy ones ! which is good for us. Keep playing as a team and the only way is up. Well done boys.